The Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship ever built as it embarks on its maiden voyage. Explore its unique features and luxurious amenities.
The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s “Icon of the Seas,” embarked on its maiden voyage from the Port of Miami just before sunset on Saturday, January 27, 2024. This event marked a significant milestone in the cruise industry, as the ship is the largest of its kind to date, both in size and passenger capacity.
The Icon of the Seas stretches nearly 1,200 feet in length and weighs a colossal 250,800 gross tons. It surpasses Royal Caribbean’s “Wonder of the Seas,” the previous record holder. The Icon of the Seas can accommodate a staggering 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members.
The ship boasts an array of impressive features, including:
While the ship sets a new standard in luxury, it also raises concerns regarding its environmental impact. The Icon of the Seas is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a decision criticized by some environmental groups. However, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson highlighted that the ship is 24% more energy efficient than required for ships designed today, and the company plans to introduce a net-zero ship by 2035.
Icon of the Seas is the first in a new class of ships by Royal Caribbean. The next in line, “Star of the Seas,” is currently under construction and set to debut in August 2025.
The ship features different onboard neighborhoods catering to various interests, from families with young kids to adult-only travelers. These include:
The ship offers 28 different types of accommodations, ranging from 157-square-foot interior cabins to the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, which includes a cinema, outdoor hot tub, and a slide between decks.
Icon of the Seas showcases impressive engineering feats, such as the 82-foot-tall AquaDome with a theater for high-diver performances and the Pearl, a three-deck-high sphere on the World Promenade.
Royal Caribbean International is positioning the Icon of the Seas to compete not just with other cruise ships but with all kinds of family vacations globally. The company emphasizes its focus on creating memorable experiences and offering a vast array of options for relaxation and adventure.
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